New Jersey gambling revenue has increased steadily and Garden State lawmakers are looking to match this with an increase in resources for potential gambling addicts. A Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Pilot Program is part of Bill A420, sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.
Caputo chairs the Assembly’s tourism, gaming and arts committee, which unanimously voted yes on the bill. The bill would prohibit advertisements for sports betting at New Jersey public colleges and universities, and require high school districts to include compulsive gambling risk education in health classes.
Caputo, also a former casino executive and decades-long supporter of New Jersey gambling, also has a pending online gaming bill, and was the proponent of a failed 2016 effort to allow slot machines at racetracks. His newest legislation aims to fight gambling’s “unintended consequences.”
Though the committee was unanimous on an addiction treatment program, its parties were split on a resolution meant to “condemn the overproliferation” of gambling advertisements and propose “restraint and good judgement” in such ads for sports betting or casinos. Caputo added, “It’s a vicious fight for market share. This advertising is way over the top.”
Don Guardian, former Atlantic City Mayor, voted against the resolution on ads and commented, “The only way that they expand is to advertise. I can’t be hypocritical if, as a state, we’re so excited about having internet and sports gaming and collecting 200-plus million dollars in taxes.”
Caputo has centered two of his gambling addiction treatment bills on young people. The Responsible Gambling Council says young adults are at higher risk of becoming problem gamblers due to impulsivity. The bills have also seen support from ex-gamblers and addictions experts.
